Start preparing for 2019 with these 10 Questions

There is something magical about this time of the year. As we approach the final months of this year, I have started an activity I enjoy - preparing for 2019. Planning for the year ahead has been a significant part of my adult life. I am excited to share my process with you.

In this blog post, we will explore some guiding principles and ten essential questions to help you prepare for 2019. For additional tips on planning for a year and achieving your goals, refer to my older blog posts What's your plan for 2018? March Edition and Mid-year Goals Review.

Guiding principles
While you go through this preparation process, keep the following in mind:

• Start planning early to avoid the end of year pressure.
• Give yourself time to gather information and think freely.
• Write everything down, so you have something you can review.
• Celebrate the positive and learn from the negative experiences.
• Plans are flexible and can be changed.

How to start preparing for a great 2019
With the help of the questions below, you can start planning your next year.

Question 1: What went well in 2018?
The best way to kick-start your planning process is by celebrating your past achievements. Start with writing down the things that went well this year. In my opinion, we need to spend more time thinking about our success and accomplishments.

Question 2: What didn't go well in 2018?
Answer this question with a growth mindset and willingness to learn. The primary objective is to be aware of the things you want to do differently in 2019. We can all learn from the experiences that didn't go as we expected.

Question 3: What are you looking forward to in 2019?
Starting from a positive place when you think about the future is crucial. Think about some great things you want to experience in 2019. Start building your excitement for the amazing things to come.

Question 4: What are your goals for 2019?
Having goals will motivate and guide you. Start thinking about the top five things you want to work towards in 2019. Goal setting is a necessity for your personal and professional development.
Find great resources to help with goal setting under the Great resources section below.

Question 5: How will you track your progress?
After you set your goals, it is essential to be clear on what success looks like and how you plan to track your progress. Some of the useful techniques include setting the frequency of reviews and metrics to measure your progress towards achieving your goals.

Question 6: What resources will you use?
Being equipped with the right tools and resources is crucial to achieving your planned goals. While you evaluate the goals you want to achieve, think about the tools you will need as well. Some helpful resources are courses, podcasts, learning blogs, conferences and much more.

Question 7: Who will you surround yourself with?
The concept of amplifying your success with the help of a support system is one that I value a lot. There are so many benefits of having a strong group of people who support you and hold you accountable to your goals. Write down the current members of your support community and the new ones you need.

Question 8: How will you stay motivated?
There will be times throughout 2019 when you will need some motivation and inspiration. Thinking about ways to stay motivated will help you bridge those difficult times.

Question 9: How will you empower others?
Helping others achieve their goals is a great way to make an impact. In 2019, do something meaningful for people around you. There's something magical about giving back and enriching someone else's life.

Question 10: How will you make 2019 count?
Chasing your passion and dreams should also be your focus. As you start envisioning the new year, think of ways to ensure you live out your passion and dreams.

What's Next
Congratulations you have started setting yourself up for a great 2019. Now, what do you do next?

• Over the next two months review and update your responses to the questions above.
• Share, gather feedback and input from your support community.
• Start 2019 with confidence!

Final thoughts

• No matter what 2018 brought, you can change course in 2019 and have a great year.
• Planning early for the year not only reduces the pressure over the new year, but it also helps give you direction at the beginning of the year.
• 2019 will be amazing!

Great resources
Sharing some great resources to help you plan for 2019

• 4 Reasons To Plan For 2019 Now If You Want To Be Successful
• Why Now Is the Time To Get Ready For 2019 Goals
• Don’t wait for New Year’s: Why you should be setting your goals now
• 10 Biggest Mistakes People Make in Setting Goals (and How to Fix Them) [Podcast]
• What Separates Goals We Achieve from Goals We Don’t
• Confessions of a Reluctant Goal Setter
• How to Avoid 3 Pitfalls of Goal-Setting
• 8 Tips for Setting Goals That'll Actually Happen